Monthly Devotion: Our Lady of Sorrows

Holy Mother, pierce me through,
In my heart each wound renew,
Of my Savior crucified.

Pained Madonna by Plautilla Nelli

Another Marian month, the month of September centers upon the dual feasts of the Exultation of the Holy Cross and Our Lady of Sorrows, September 14th and 15. This month presents us with an opportunity to consider Mary as our model of patience and to be fortified to imitate her in all of the trials of our daily life, until we too come to the joys of the resurrection.

"Mary has three loves in her heart," Father James Alberione reflects, "Jesus, Souls, and God." Loving God, she submitted her heart entirely to His will and sought to imitate Him in all things. We know from experience that the greater one loves, the greater one may suffer. Mary loved Jesus with a depth and purity of love that we cannot know, and for this reason she suffered more intensely than we can fathom. Mary also loves us. She loves souls. By becoming the Mother of Life, she gave us life, and her heart is ever zealous for the salvation of our souls. Ever so gently, but persistently, she calls us and yearns to lead us to her Divine Son. Let us always cling to our good Mother!

"O sorrowful Virgin, unite me at least to the ignominies and wounds of your Son, so that both He and you may find comfort in having someone sharing your sufferings. Oh, how happy I would be if I could do this! For is there perhaps anything greater, sweeter or more advantageous for man? Why do you not grant me what I ask? If I have offended you, be just and pierce my heart. If I have been faithful to you, leave me not without a reward: give me your sorrows."
​~ St. Bonaventure